# duty to cooperate

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> When a shipper engages a freight forwarder, the duty to cooperate binds the shipper to actively support the execution of the transport.

When a shipper engages a freight forwarder, the duty to cooperate binds the shipper to actively support the execution of the transport. This means supplying accurate shipment data, delivering required documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin on time, and responding promptly to queries from the carrier or customs authorities. The obligation is typically embedded in the transport contract and may also arise from applicable transport law. If the shipper fails to comply, liability for resulting delays or additional costs generally falls on the shipper rather than the forwarder. In customs practice, missing origin documents or incomplete goods descriptions are the most common situations where this duty becomes legally consequential.

**Source:** [https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Mitwirkungspflicht](https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Mitwirkungspflicht)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | duty to cooperate |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 114 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Mitwirkungspflicht |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/duty-to-cooperate](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/duty-to-cooperate)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/duty-to-cooperate](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/duty-to-cooperate)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/duty-to-cooperate/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/duty-to-cooperate/llm-summary?lang=en)*